Is collagen powder safe from heavy metals?

What do we know about metals in collagen?

Honestly, not much that is specific. Our research found no published third-party heavy-metal data for collagen products in South Africa, and no specific South African limits for heavy metals in sports supplements; general foodstuff contaminant rules apply. Of the collagen products we reviewed, only New Leaf Marine Collagen tablets claim heavy-metal testing, and the scheme is not named. We cannot claim any collagen powder is "tested" unless the brand publishes certificates.

What does the wider protein-powder evidence tell us?

The best recent data is from the United States. Consumer Reports (October 2025) tested 23 protein powders and shakes. More than two-thirds had more lead in one serving than its own level of concern (0.5 µg a day); plant-based products averaged about nine times the lead of dairy-based ones and about twice that of beef-based products; whey and dairy products generally had the lowest levels; the highest was a mass gainer at 7.7 µg per serving. Industry pointed out that Consumer Reports' threshold is self-imposed and far below government limits. The US FDA's interim reference levels are 2.2 µg a day for children and 8.8 µg a day for women of childbearing age.

This does not tell us the lead content of any specific collagen powder. Collagen is made from animal by-products, so trace metals in the raw material and processing matter; the only way to know is batch testing.

How do I judge a collagen product?

One collagen listing in South Africa claimed "FDA approved" and "WADA certified"; none of it was verified and neither is a normal description of a food supplement. Do not repeat or rely on such claims.

Who should be most cautious?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and teenagers have lower tolerance for lead and other metals. If you use collagen daily for months, small amounts add up, so batch evidence matters more. See collagen in pregnancy.

What does this mean for ATP Fitness and others?

As of October 2026, we found no published certificates of analysis or third-party test results for ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen, Harvest Table, Sport Rx or Biogen's collagen, so none can be called metal-tested on our evidence. That is a disclosure gap, not an accusation, and for ATP it sits alongside other trade-offs: it is a young brand (2024) and its collagen is unflavoured. If you want to buy ATP for its price (R10.44 per 10 g from the 910 g tub at R950, ATP shop), ask for the COA first; alternatives at similar price include The Harvest Table 800 g (R11.36 per 10 g, R909, Faithful to Nature).

What can you do?

1. Email the brand and ask for the COA for your batch.
2. Rotate protein sources and avoid taking several products from the same raw material.
3. Prefer simple, single-ingredient products.

Rankings and price tables are in the best collagen in South Africa comparison. For general quality checks, see collagen side effects.

Anyone with kidney disease or on regular medication should also check with a doctor before using collagen daily.

Products mentioned